Water Rustlers is a western movie from 1939 that was set in the backdrop of a dry and dusty town of Arizona. Directed by Howard Bretherton, the movie showcases the struggle of the town's people who are fighting against a group of rustlers who are not only stealing their cattle but also their water rights. The story revolves around a young woman named Mary Carver (Dorothy Page) who has recently inherited her late father's ranch. Mary is an educated woman who comes from the city and knows very little about ranching. However, she is determined to save her ranch and the town from drought and the rustlers who are taking advantage of the situation.
With the help of her foreman, Tom Baxter (Dave O'Brien), Mary tries to learn the ropes of ranching and keep the rustlers at bay. Tom is a loyal and hard-working employee who has a soft spot for Mary. He is always ready to protect her and the ranch at any cost.
Meanwhile, the rustlers are led by the ruthless Sheriff Crockett (Vince Barnett) who is in cahoots with the local banker, Mr. Wilkins (Jack Carlyle). Together, they plan to steal the water rights of the town's people and force them to sell their cattle to them at a lower price.
As Mary tries to fend off the rustlers with the help of Tom and her friends, she realizes that the fight is far from over. The rustlers are not only stealing their cattle but also poisoning their waterholes and destroying their crops. Mary and Tom must come up with a plan to not only catch the rustlers but also expose their evil plans to the town's people.
The movie presents a classic western theme with plenty of action, gunfights, and horseback chases. The performances by the lead actors, especially Dorothy Page and Dave O'Brien, are compelling and add depth to the characters they portray. The chemistry between Mary and Tom is evident, and their budding romance adds a touch of sweetness to the movie.
Vince Barnett delivers a convincing performance as the villainous Sheriff Crockett who will stop at nothing to steal the town's water rights. His portrayal of an evil and corrupt sheriff is spot-on and makes the audience root for his downfall.
The cinematography is typical of its time, showcasing the vast open spaces of the Arizona landscape. The movie also features several scenes shot at the ranch where Mary lives, which adds to the authenticity of the western theme. The musical score is subtle and understated, but it complements the action and drama of the movie.
Overall, Water Rustlers is a classic western movie that showcases the struggle of good versus evil in a small, dusty town in Arizona. The movie offers plenty of excitement, action, and romance, and is a must-watch for any fan of the western genre.
Water Rustlers is a 1939 adventure movie with a runtime of 55 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.